Our Week in Review

Was vacation just one week ago?

It has been a very busy week here at Kennedy School!

In Math, you may have noticed that homework has covered many topics.  We have started to review various concepts that we learned throughout the year, tackling a specific topic each day, in order to prepare for the MCAS test.  Our test dates are May 13 & 14.  This week we reviewed concepts of place value, geometry, and measurement.  Students are doing a great job reviewing!

In Reading we wrapped up Hate that Cat by Sharon Creech.  This is the sequel to Love that Dog, also by Sharon Creech, which we read before vacation.  Both stories chronicle a year in the life of a student named Jack, through his poetry journal entries.  We all enjoyed reading these books and especially loved seeing how Jack (and his teacher Miss Stretchberry) grew over the 2 years.




During Writer's Workshop, we have diligently been working on our non-fiction pieces.  We have decided to publish our work using our Google Drive.  Our drafts must be completed by next Friday so that we are ready to go!

Our journey around the United States has taken us to the Midwest.  We are learning about the land and natural resources from that area.  Students received a study guide and vocabulary this week, and our test is scheduled for May 16th.  We are hoping to skype with a few fourth grade classes from around the country in the next few months.  We are looking for a teacher in the midwest who would be interested in communicating with our class. If you know a fourth grade teacher who might be interested, please email Mrs. Merten.

Today we started the last part of our unit about the Weather.  We learned about the Jet Stream.  Next week we will learn how ocean currents affect the weather, and then we'll learn about WILD WEATHER (storms).  Our Weather assessment is tentatively scheduled for May 15th, though that date is subject to change.


From the teacher's desk:
One reason I love the spring is that we have developed a wonderful community that supports one another.  By this time in the year, the children work very well together, and are clear about the expectations for our class.  Learning is at its best.  The children are excited about the new topics and they know what their responsibilities are.  

 As you know, the focus of this year was "independence and responsibility".  I am pleased with how the children have grown in both of these areas. As we continue through the spring, I am hopeful that we can continue to work together to maintain this progress.  With spring activities and outdoor playing time, completing homework carefully can be challenging.   This spring, I've noticed assignments partially completed, or not completed as well as many misplaced.  Please take a minute to discuss homework with your child.  I'm looking forward to working together this spring, to prepare your children for fifth grade!